Oceanside RV Lifestyle Village at Burnett Heads officially opened today amid news the Bundaberg Region is now Australia’s RV capital.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said in 2020, the 4670 postcode area had more than 5200 caravan and campervan registrations compared with 4450 in 2015.
“There are now 7.5 registrations for every 100 households in Bundaberg,” he said.
“This is the largest number of registrations for any postcode in Australia, the second being Mandurah in WA with 4890 followed by Hervey Bay with 4851.
“RV Lifestyle Village will cater for some of this rising demand.”
The resort-style Burnett Heads facility will feature 487 home sites when completed.
Oceanside CEO Phil Stewart said Bundaberg and Queensland could be proud of the development, which features a lagoon pool, gymnasium, art studio, communal kitchen, lawn bowls and a games room.
He commended owner Darren Wilson for his vision and thanked builders and contractors.
“So many people said you can’t do this, it won’t work,” Mr Stewart said.
“Darren had the courage to back his judgement. It’s a tribute to him what’s been done here.”
Mr Wilson thanked everyone who assisted.
“From two years ago we have got here today and in two more years we should be finished,” he said.
Mayor Dempsey said the project had qualified for incentives under the highly successful Bundaberg Open for Development scheme.
“Infrastructure charges will be discounted by 50 per cent if all the works are completed before 28 June 2024,” he said.
“This means that up to 133 units on the site could be incentivised if completed by the due date.
“Judging by the progress made so far, that target will be successfully achieved.”
Mayor Dempsey said Council was committed to encouraging best-practice and sustainable development to meet the needs of a growing population while maintaining the region’s unique lifestyle and natural environment.
“RV Oceanside is a brilliant example of what Council wants to see achieved for the betterment of our community,” he said.
“I’m pleased that local businesses were involved with the design and construction including Devcon, RMA Engineers, Insite SJC, John Gatley Building Designs, SNT Electrical and Christensen Industries.
“The site is fully sewered, representing a quick return on Council’s $71 million investment in the Rubyanna Wastewater Treatment Plant to support coastal development.
“It’s a master-planned village, built to the highest standards.”
Mayor Dempsey said Council recognised the opportunities that go with encouraging developments such as RV Lifestyle Village.
“Every year, except last year because of the pandemic, we have the annual migration of grey nomads to the Bundaberg Region,” he said.
“People from New South Wales, Victoria, Canberra and South Australia head north to escape the cold weather. In addition to our wonderful climate, they enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that goes with sharing an experience.
“We’ve been actively seeking to make the Bundaberg Region RV friendly by creating more parking spaces and providing amenities.”
Divisional councillor Tanya McLoughlin and former councillor Scott Rowleson were among guests at the opening.
Previous reports on RV Lifestyle Village
- Burnett Heads RV lifestyle village takes forward step
- Construction begins at RV Oceanside Burnett Heads
- Burnett Heads RV village takes shape
- Travel bloggers call Burnett Heads home
